Press-fit apparatus for connectors

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and method for press-fitting a connector to a circuit board is provided. The apparatus has a universal press block fixedly connected to a machine press head. A bottom plate of the universal press block has multiple locating holes. A locating block is fixedly connected to the bottom plate. A press block is fixedly connected to the locating block at a predetermined position suitable for press-fitting the connector. The press block has a press block head, a press block body and a sensor provided between the head and the body. The press block head is movable to contact the connector to apply a pressing force to the connector. The sensor detects the pressing force and generates a signal indicative of the pressing force. The press block body receives the signal from the sensor and controls the movement of the press block head based on the signal.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure and embodiments thereof are in the field of amechanical pressing instrument. More particularly, the presentdisclosure relates to an apparatus, which is capable of simultaneouslypressing different connectors into circuit boards.

Press-fit machines have been used to press connectors into circuitboards to provide so-called “press-fit” type connections. Typically, forthe “press-fit” type connections, a connector having contact pins and acircuit board having respective holes for receiving the contact pins arepressed together to meet certain mechanical and electrical connectionrequirement. In operation, the press-fit machines provide forces andmotions that move the contact pins of the connector into the receivingholes of the circuit board, respectively.

One existing problem with the known press-fit machines is thatconnectors of different modules cannot be pressed at the same time.Moreover, when the same modular connectors are being pressed, eachindividual connector's fitting curve cannot be obtained independently.Rather, a single fitting curve associated with all modular connectors,which is normally of a low accuracy, can be obtained. In operation, onetype of modular connectors, which have the same or similar parameters,may be pressed at a same time. As known in the industry, the fittingcurves obtained during the operation of the press-fit machines containthe most critical parameters of the press-fitting operation. The singlefitting curve of the plurality of modular connectors is apparentlyinadequate for discerning and monitoring the operation status of thepress-fit machines with respect to each individual modular connector.For example, during operation, the same pressing force proper for onemodular connector may not be proper for another modular connector in thesame group. As a result, the quality of the final products cannot beensured. Moreover, in the production line of circuit devices, thepress-fitting station has gradually become the bottle neck, whichimpacts the capacity of the entire production line. In addition,different press-fit machines specialized for specific modular connectorsmay be needed in the production line, which apparently affects theefficiency of the production line.

Accordingly, there exists a need in the art to overcome the deficienciesand limitations described hereinabove with respect to the conventionalpress-fit machines and their operations.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of the present application, an apparatus forpress-fitting a plurality of connectors to a circuit board is provided.The apparatus includes a machine press head movable by a power supplierof the press-fit apparatus. The apparatus further includes a universalpress block fixedly connected to the machine press head to be movablewith the machine press head. The universal press block includes a bottomplate having a plurality of locating holes. The apparatus also includesat least one locating block fixedly connected to the bottom plate. Thelocating block includes a locating block screw, which is threaded intoone of the plurality of locating holes to fixedly connect the locatingblock to the universal press block. The apparatus additionally includesat least one press block. The press block is fixedly connected to thelocating block at a predetermined position suitable for press-fittingone of the plurality of connectors. The press block includes at leastone press block screw for fixedly connecting the at least one pressblock to the locating block. The press block further includes a pressblock head that is movable to be in contact with the one of theplurality of connectors to apply a pressing force to the connector. Thepress block also includes a sensor configured to detect the pressingforce and generate a signal indicative of the pressing force. The pressblock additionally includes a press block body configured to receive thesignal from the sensor and control the movement of the press block headbased on the signal.

According to another aspect of the present application, a method ofpress-fitting at least one connector to a circuit board by using apress-fit apparatus is provided. The method includes fixing a locatingblock to a bottom plate of a universal press block. The universal pressblock is fixed to a machine press head to be moveable with the machinepress head. The bottom plate has a plurality of locating holes. Thelocating block is fixed to the bottom plate by inserting a firstfastener of the locating block selectively into one of the plurality oflocating holes. The method further includes fixing a press block to thelocating block at a predetermined position suitable for press-fittingthe connector by using a second fastener. The press block includes apress block head movable to be in contact with the connector to apply apressing force to the connector; a sensor configured to detect thepressing force and generate a signal indicative of the pressing force;and a press block body configured to receive the signal from the sensorand control the movement of the press block head based on the signal.

According to yet another aspect of the present application, a method ofmanufacturing a press-fit apparatus suitable for press-fitting aplurality of connectors to a circuit board is provided. The methodincludes providing a machine press head that is movable by a powersupplier of the press-fit apparatus. The method further includes fixinga universal press block to the machine press head to allow the universalpress block to be movable with the machine press head. The universalpress block includes a bottom plate having a plurality of locatingholes. The method also includes fixing at least one locating block tothe bottom plate of the universal press block, by inserting a locatingfastener of the at least one locating block into one of the plurality oflocating holes. The method additionally includes fixing at least onepress block to the at least one locating block at a predeterminedposition suitable for press-fitting one of the plurality of connectors.The at least one press block includes at least one press block fastenerfor fixedly connecting the at least one press block to the at least onelocating block. The press block includes a press block head, which ismovable to be in contact with the one of the plurality of connectors toapply a pressing force to the one of the plurality of connectors. Thepress block further includes a sensor configured to detect the pressingforce and generate a signal indicative of the pressing force. The pressblock also includes a press block body configured to receive the signalfrom the sensor and control the movement of the press block head basedon the signal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a press-fit apparatus according to anexemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a press-fit apparatus according to anotherexemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a partial sectional view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 2, fordepicting two working conditions of the apparatus as controlled by usinga processor; and

FIG. 6 shows diagrams for illustrating force curves applied by theapparatus of FIG. 2 onto connectors and control logics for controllingthe press-fitting of the connectors.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present application will now be described in greater detail byreferring to the following discussion and drawings that accompany thepresent application. It is noted that the drawings of the presentapplication are provided for illustrative purposes only and, as such,the drawings are not drawn to scale. It is also noted that like andcorresponding elements are referred to by like reference numerals.

Detailed embodiments of the methods and apparatuses of the presentdisclosure are described herein; however, it is to be understood thatthe disclosed embodiments are merely illustrative of the disclosedmethods and apparatuses that may be embodied in various forms. Inaddition, each of the examples given in connection with the variousembodiments of the disclosure are intended to be illustrative, and notrestrictive. Further, the figures are not necessarily to scale, somefeatures may be exaggerated to show details of particular components.Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed hereinare not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representativebasis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ themethods and structures of the present disclosure. For the purposes ofthe description hereinafter, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “top”,“bottom”, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the disclosedstructures, as they are oriented in the drawing figures.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a press-fit apparatus 100 according to anexemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The press-fit apparatus100 includes, but is not limited to, a controller block 110, a pluralityof press blocks 120 and a plurality of sensors 130. The press-fitapparatus 100 is in wireless or wired communication with a hardwareprocessor 200. The hardware processor 200 can be a computer, CPU, CMU, aDigital Signal Processor (DSP), an Application Specific IntegratedCircuit (ASIC), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or otherprogrammable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discretehardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform thefunctions described herein. The processor may be a microprocessor, butin the alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor,controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The processor may also beimplemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combinationof a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one ormore microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other suchconfiguration. The controller block 110 is installed to a supportstructure (such as, a frame) of the press-fit machine 100 and isconfigured to monitor and control the movement of the plurality of pressblocks 120 in an independent but interactive manner. The movement of thepress blocks 120, which can be linear, non-linear or rotational, istranslated into the movement and deformation of a plurality ofconnectors with respect to one or more circuit boards, thereby firmlypressing the connectors and the circuit boards together. The pluralityof sensors 130 are provided to the plurality of press blocks 120, suchthat at least one sensor is operatively associated with a respectivepress block for providing feedbacks of the pressing operation of eachpress block. The sensors 130 can be provided at any suitable locationsof the respective press blocks 120, although for illustration purpose,FIG. 1 shows certain specific locations of the sensors. The sensors 130include, but are not limited to, optical sensors, mechanical sensors,magnetic sensors, electrical sensors and any suitable combinationsthereof.

In operation, the controller block 110 of the press-fit apparatus 100receives feedbacks from the sensors 130 and processes the feedbackinformation by a hardware processor of the controller block 110 togenerate a plurality of fitting curves (also known as profile curves),which correspond to each individual press block 120. The hardwareprocessor of the controller block 110 can be the same as or similar tothe hardware processor 200. Once receiving the fitting curves from thecontroller block 110, the hardware processor 200 runs one or moreprograms saved to a memory device, to further process the fittingcurves. For example, these fitting curves can be depicted on a screen topermit an operator to visually compare two or more fitting curves or toimage-process the fitting curves to achieve additional results.

One exemplary implement for monitoring the pressing force of the pressblocks 120 is so-called Shadow Moire method, which requires an opticalsensor or a camera to monitor the deformation of the press blocks 120that is caused by the pressing force on the connectors. Anotherexemplary implement for monitoring the pressing force is a strain gauge,which is a type of mechanical sensor. The strain gauge is used todirectly measure the deformation of the press blocks 120 during apressing operation. Yet another exemplary implement for monitoring thepressing force is a force sensor, which directly measures the pressureapplied onto the press blocks 120. Other suitable tools and implements,in addition to or alternative of the above-described implements, arewithin the scope of the present disclosure.

The press-fit apparatus 100 as described above is capable of pressingdifferent modular connectors simultaneously. For example, a single pressblock or a group of press blocks can be tailored for a single modularconnector or a group of same modular connectors to apply a properpressing force, based on the characteristics of the connectors and/orthe feedback of the sensor(s) associated with the press block(s). Forexample, each press block can be configured to rotate at any suitableangle. For example, each press block can travel in three axes defined inthe operation space (i.e., X/Y/Z axes). For example, the press blockscan operate independently from each other or interactively with eachother in a concerted manner.

FIG. 2 shows a press-fit apparatus 300 according to another exemplaryembodiment of the present disclosure. The press-fit apparatus 300includes, but is not limited to, a machine press head 310, a universalpress block 320 connected to and movable with the machine press head310, at least one locating block 330 connected the universal press block320 at a selectable location, and at least one press block 340 connectedto the at least one locating block 330 for selectively pressing aconnector 400 to a circuit board 500 (for example, a PCB).

FIG. 3 is a partial enlarged sectional view of the press-fit apparatus300. The machine press head 310 is movable by a power supplier and isthus, capable of moving any structure that is connected to the machinepress head 310. The universal press block 320 functions to transfer thepressing force from the press-fit machine to the press block 330. Theuniversal press block 320 can be a substantially hollow or solidstructure, which defines a receiving space 321 (also shown in FIG. 2) atthe top portion thereof for operatively accommodating the machine presshead 310. The receiving space 321 is properly dimensioned to allow themachine press head 310 to be snuggly placed within the receiving space.In addition, the universal press block 320 includes at least one holdingarm 322 (also shown in FIG. 2), which extends inwardly to hug themachine press head 310. As such, the machine press head 310 can befirmly fitted within the universal press block 320 and once fitted, themachine press head 310 is substantially enclosed or bonded by theuniversal press block 320, such that any movement of the machine presshead 310 can be precisely transferred to the universal press block 320in a controllable manner. Alternatively, the receiving space 321 of theuniversal press block 320 can be modified as a receiving slot, such thatthe universal press block 320 can be detachably or retrofittably mountedto the machine press head 310, depending the specific circumstances ofthe pressing application.

The universal press block 320 has a bottom plate 323, which is alsoshown in FIG. 4. The bottom plate 323 can be formed integrally with theuniversal press block 320 or as a separate component that can beattached to the rest of the universal press block 320. The bottom plate323 includes an array of locating holes 324 that extend inwardly fromthe bottom surface of the bottom plate 323. The locating holes 324 arearranged to allow the locating block 330 to be selectively attached tothe universal press block 320 at predetermined locations. For example,as shown in FIG. 4, the locating holes 324 include four column and fourrows of holes, such that the locating block 330 can be attached to thebottom plate 323 to practically cover any desirable location of thebottom plate 323. The arrangement of the locating holes 324 is notlimited to the shown embodiment.

The locating block 330 has a peripheral wall 331 for defining a throughopening 332 that extends from the top surface to the bottom surface ofthe locating block 330. The locating block 330 includes at least onelocating block screw 333, which can be threaded into a correspondinglocating hole 324 of the universal press block 320 for fixedly attachingthe locating block 330 onto the universal press block 320. In operation,the locating block 330 serves as an intermediate structure between theuniversal press block 320 and the at least one press block 340, forindirectly connecting the press block 340 to the universal press block320 in a fixed but adjustable manner. The press block 340 includes apress block screw 341, by which the press block 340 is fixedly connectedto the locating block 330, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. In operation, thelocating block 330 is first fixed to the universal press block 320 at apredetermined location by threading and tightening the locating blockscrew 333 in the locating hole 324, passing through the opening 332 ofthe locating block 330. The specific location and orientation of thelocating block 330 with respect to the universal press block 320 can bedetermined first. Subsequently, the press block 340 is attached to thelocating block 330 by threading and tightening the press block screw341. The through opening 332, when viewed from the bottom perspective,can be in the form of an elongated slot, which allows desirablepositional adjustment of the press block 340 along the slot. As such,the press block 340 can be provided at any ideal and desirable positionfor pressing the connector 400 to the circuit board 500.

The press block 340 is the final part of the apparatus, which transfersthe pressing force to the connector 400 that includes one or morecompliant pins. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, each press block 340 includesa press block body 342, a press block head 343 and at least one sensor344 provided between the press block body 342 and the press block head343. The press block head 343 functions to transfer pressing force tothe compliant pins of the connector 400. The shape of the press blockhead 343 is complementary to the shape of the connector 400. The sensor344 is connected to the press block head 343 to detect and monitor thepressing force applied to the connector 400.

The press block body 342 is configured to communicate with the sensor344, control the movement of and force applied by the press block head343, and further communicate with a processor 600 (shown in FIG. 5) thatcan be external. Detailed description of the structure and function ofthe press block body 342 is provided with reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5shows two working conditions of the press block 340, as controlled bythe press block body 342.

The press block body 342 has a block screw hole 351, through which thepress block screw 341 can be extended to affix the press block 340 tothe locating block 330. The press block body 342 defines therein asliding hole 352, in which the sensor 344 is movable in a slidablemanner. In operation, the movement of the sensor 344 within the slidinghole 352 can be utilized to continue or terminate the transmission ofthe pressing force.

The press block body 342 further includes a control bar 353. The controlbar 353 is mounted within the press block body 342 and is rotatable by amotor 360. The motor 360 rotates the control bar 353 to switch thecontrol bar 353 between a first configuration thereof and a secondconfiguration thereof. The control bar 353 has a partially circularcross section 354, which is defined by a cut out portion 355 in thecross section. When the control bar 353 is rotated into the firstconfiguration, the partially circular cross section 354 is in contactwith the sensor 344, as the sensor 344 moves upwardly within the slidinghole 352. As such, a complete force transmission link is provided by thecontrol bar 353, the sensor 344 and the press block head 343. Thepress-fit apparatus 300 assumes its normal working condition, as shownby the diagram at the left side of FIG. 5. When the press-fit apparatus300 is in its normal working condition, the pressing force istransmitted from the press block head 343 to the connector 400, todeform the pins of the connector. When control bar 353 is rotated intothe second configuration, the partially circular cross section 354 is nolonger in contact with the sensor 344 and the force transmission link isthus broken. The upward movement of the sensor 344 is not blocked by thecontrol bar 353. As a result, the pressing force applied by the pressblock head 343 is released or liberated.

The press block body 342 further includes a data transmit module 355,which is typically wireless. The data transmit module 355 is incommunication with the sensor 344 to receive any feedback signal fromthe sensor 344. In addition, the data transmit module 355 is incommunication with the processor 600, which can be the same as orsimilar to the processor 200 shown in FIG. 2. The data transmit module355 sends the data from the sensor 344 to the processor 600, such thatthe processor can further process the data. The data transmit module 355also receives control instructions from the processor 600 to control thepress-fitting of the connectors, for example, by controlling the motor360 to rotate the control bar 353.

Referring back to FIG. 2, in which two connectors 400, each havingcompliant pins, are being pressed at a same operation cycle.Specifically, two sets of locating blocks 330 and press blocks 340 areinstalled to the bottom of the universal locating block 320. Each pressblock 340 is provided with a press block body, a press block head and asensor, as described above. Each press block head has a profile that iscomplementary to the profile of a respective connector. Each press block340 is also provided with a press block screw, a block screw hole, asliding hole, a control bar and a data transmit module, as describedabove. In operation, the two sensors of the press blocks 340 detect andmonitor the pressing force applied to the connectors, respectively. Thedata obtained by the sensors are transmitted to a processor formonitoring the fitting curves or profile curves of the press-fittingoperations. The two press blocks can work independently from each other;alternatively, the press blocks can work in an interactive manner. Thetwo press blocks can work simultaneously in the same cycle;alternatively, the press blocks can work selectively in differentcycles. For example, depending on the dimensions and tolerances of afirst connector, a first cycle can be implemented to complete thepress-fitting of the first connector; subsequently, a second cycle isimplemented to press-fit the second connector. In addition, bytriggering the controlling mechanism of each press block, the motor ofthe press block can operate to break the link of force transmission andas a result, no further pressing force is applied to the connector afterthe connector is properly seated on the circuit board, which preventsthe connectors and the circuit board from being damaged. Theabove-described scheme can be extended to provide multiple press blocksto realize collective yet individual pressing of multiple connectors,while preventing undesirable damage to the connectors and the circuitboard.

FIG. 6 includes two diagrams for illustrating: the force applied to thetwo connectors shown in FIG. 2; and the control logics for controllingthe press blocks. As shown, the curve A1 represents the force applied tothe first connector and the curve B1 represents the control logic forrotating the control bar of the first press block by the motor toimplement the curve A1. The curve A2 represents the force applied to thesecond connector and the curve B2 represents the control logic forrotating the control bar of the second press block by the motor toimplement the curve A2.

The press-fit apparatus, according to the present disclosure, isadvantageous in the following aspects. First, profile curves of eachindividual connector can be monitored independently or interactively asneeded. Secondly, multiple connectors can be press-fitted at a sametime, which improves the efficiency of the operation. Thirdly, thepress-fit apparatus can be readily retrofitted into any existingoperation line. Fourthly, production quality can be improved whileimproving the production efficiency, since undesirable damage to theconnectors and/or the circuit board can be prevented.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method ofpress-fitting at least one connector to a circuit board by using apress-fit apparatus, for example, the press-fit apparatus 300.

According to this method, the locating block 330 is fixed to the bottomplate 323 of the universal press block 320 by a user. The locating block330 is fixed to the bottom plate 323 by inserting the locating blockscrew 333 selectively into one of the plurality of locating holes 324.Subsequently, the press block 340 is fixed to the locating block 330 ata predetermined position suitable for press-fitting the connector byusing a press block screw 341.

Yet another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method ofmanufacturing a press-fit apparatus suitable for press-fitting aplurality of connectors to a circuit board. A machine press head isprovided, which is movable by a power supplier of the press-fitapparatus. A universal press block is fixed to the machine press head toallow the universal press block to be movable with the machine presshead. The universal press block includes a bottom plate having aplurality of locating holes. At least one locating block is fixed to thebottom plate of the universal press block, by inserting a locatingfastener of the at least one locating block into one of the plurality oflocating holes. At least one press block is fixed to the at least onelocating block at a predetermined position suitable for press-fittingone of the plurality of connectors. The at least one press blockincludes at least one press block fastener for fixedly connecting the atleast one press block to the at least one locating block. The pressblock includes: a press block head, wherein the press block head ismovable to be in contact with the one of the plurality of connectors toapply a pressing force to the one of the plurality of connectors; asensor configured to detect the pressing force and generate a signalindicative of the pressing force; and a press block body configured toreceive the signal from the sensor and control the movement of the pressblock head based on the signal.

Optionally or additionally, the plurality of locating holes of thebottom plate of the universal press block is arranged according to apredetermined pattern.

Optionally or additionally, the locating block is provided with aperipheral wall that defines an elongated slot, such that the pressblock screw of the at least one press block is slidable along theelongated slot to place the at least one press block at thepredetermined position.

Optionally or additionally, the sensor is provided between the pressblock body and the press block head and to be movable with the pressbock head. The press block body defines a sliding hole and at least aportion of the sensor is moveable within the sliding hole.

Optionally or additionally, the press block body is provided with acontrol bar that is rotatably by a motor. The control bar has apartially circular cross section defined by a cut out in a cross sectionof the control bar. The control bar includes a first configuration and asecond configuration that are switchable when the control bar is rotatedby the motor. When the control bar is at the first configuration, thecontrol bar is in contact with the portion of the sensor, such that acomplete force transmission link is formed by the control bar, thesensor and the press block head for transmitting a pressing force to theone of the plurality of connectors. When the control bar is at thesecond configuration, the control bar is not in contact with the portionof the sensor, such that a pressing force is not transmitted to the oneof the plurality of connectors.

Optionally or additionally, the press block body is provided with a datatransmit module. The data transmit module is in communication with thesensor to receive the signal from the sensor. The data transmit moduleis further in communication with a processor, such that the datatransmit module sends the signal to the processor and receives aninstruction signal from the processor for controlling the rotation ofthe control bar.

Optionally or additionally, the at least one locating block includes afirst locating block and a second locating block. Each locating blockincludes a locating block screw for fixedly connecting the locatingblock to the universal press block. The at least one press blockincludes a first press block and a second press block. The first pressblock is fixedly connected to the first locating block and the secondpress block is fixedly connected to the second locating block. The firstpress block has a first press profile and the second press block has asecond press profile that is different from the first press profile.

While the present application has been particularly shown and describedwith respect to various embodiments thereof, it will be understood bythose skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in formsand details may be made without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe present application. It is therefore intended that the presentapplication not be limited to the exact forms and details described andillustrated, but fall within the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of press-fitting at least one connectorto a circuit board by using a press-fit apparatus, the methodcomprising: fixing a locating block to a bottom plate of a universalpress block, wherein the universal press block is fixed to a machinepress head to be moveable with the machine press head, wherein thebottom plate has a plurality of locating holes, and wherein the locatingblock is fixed to the bottom plate by inserting a first fastener of thelocating block selectively into one of the plurality of locating holes;and fixing a press block to the locating block at a predeterminedposition suitable for press-fitting the connector by using a secondfastener, wherein the press block comprises: a press block head movableto be in contact with the connector to apply a pressing force to theconnector; a sensor configured to detect the pressing force and generatea signal indicative of the pressing force; and a press block bodyconfigured to receive the signal from the sensor and control themovement of the press block head based on the signal.
 2. The methodaccording to claim 1, wherein the plurality of locating holes of thebottom plate of the universal press block are arranged according to apredetermined pattern.
 3. The method according to claim 2, wherein thelocating block comprises a peripheral wall defining an elongated slot;and wherein the fixing the press block to the locating block at thepredetermined position comprises sliding the second fastener of thepress block along the elongated slot to place the press block at thepredetermined position.
 4. A method of manufacturing a press-fitapparatus suitable for press-fitting a plurality of connectors to acircuit board, the method comprising: providing a machine press headthat is movable by a power supplier of the press-fit apparatus; fixing auniversal press block to the machine press head to allow the universalpress block to be movable with the machine press head, wherein theuniversal press block comprises a bottom plate having a plurality oflocating holes; fixing at least one locating block to the bottom plateof the universal press block, by inserting a locating fastener of the atleast one locating block into one of the plurality of locating holes;and fixing at least one press block to the at least one locating blockat a predetermined position suitable for press-fitting one of theplurality of connectors, wherein the at least one press block comprisesat least one press block fastener for fixedly connecting the at leastone press block to the at least one locating block, wherein the at leastone press block comprises: a press block head, wherein the press blockhead is movable to be in contact with the one of the plurality ofconnectors to apply a pressing force to the one of the plurality ofconnectors; a sensor configured to detect the pressing force andgenerate a signal indicative of the pressing force; and a press blockbody configured to receive the signal from the sensor and control themovement of the press block head based on the signal.
 5. The methodaccording to claim 4, further comprising arranging the plurality oflocating holes of the bottom plate of the universal press blockaccording to a predetermined pattern.
 6. The method according to claim5, further comprising providing the locating block with a peripheralwall that defines an elongated slot, such that the press block screw ofthe at least one press block is slidable along the elongated slot toplace the at least one press block at the predetermined position.
 7. Themethod according to claim 4, further comprising providing the sensorbetween the press block body and the press block head and to be movablewith the press bock head; and wherein the press block body defines asliding hole and at least a portion of the sensor is moveable within thesliding hole.
 8. The method according to claim 4, further comprisingproviding the press block body with a control bar that is rotatably by amotor, wherein the control bar has a partially circular cross sectiondefined by a cut out in a cross section of the control bar; wherein thecontrol bar comprises a first configuration and a second configurationthat are switchable when the control bar is rotated by the motor;wherein when the control bar is at the first configuration, the controlbar is in contact with the portion of the sensor, such that a completeforce transmission link is formed by the control bar, the sensor and thepress block head for transmitting a pressing force to the one of theplurality of connectors; and wherein when the control bar is at thesecond configuration, the control bar is not in contact with the portionof the sensor, such that a pressing force is not transmitted to the oneof the plurality of connectors.
 9. The method according to claim 8,further comprising providing the press block body with a data transmitmodule; wherein the data transmit module is in communication with thesensor to receive the signal from the sensor; and wherein the datatransmit module is further in communication with a processor, such thatthe data transmit module sends the signal to the processor and receivesan instruction signal from the processor for controlling the rotation ofthe control bar.
 10. The method according to claim 4, wherein the atleast one locating block comprises a first locating block and a secondlocating block, wherein each locating block comprises a locating blockscrew for fixedly connecting the locating block to the universal pressblock; wherein the at least one press block comprises a first pressblock and a second press block, wherein the first press block is fixedlyconnected to the first locating block and the second press block isfixedly connected to the second locating block; and wherein the firstpress block has a first press profile and the second press block has asecond press profile that is different from the first press profile.